Hola de Las Vinas! We are all well! We have been having some technical difficulties but are trying to overcome them. So, sorry we made you all wait but it was so worth it! Here goes...
We all made it over the border with no problems and had the experience to change money from American to Guatemalan. (1:7 ). We drove the 45 minutes to the town of Las Vinas where were were greeted by our new moms and siblings! We separated to our families and spent the afternoon getting familiar with each other. We played games, walked to the park and shared pictures. Learta and Sanjna followed their family to a church and had no idea they were attending a funeral! It was sad but interesting for them.
We all met at the school in the morning today. The entire school greeted us with an assembly of flags and national anthems and speeches. We took a tour of the school. We were introduced to our service project. We are using pic axes, shovels and awls to chop up the cement court floor that has been invaded by the roots of ceiba tree. We moved the rocks and cement from the area but there is much more to do tomorrow before cutting out the roots and pouring new concrete later in the week.
We took a break with the students and shared games, futbol and songs before sending them back to school lessons and us back to work. Lunch came very quickly and we went back to our families. We met again about 2.5 hours later to do some leadership training and learned about the 4 leadership style temperaments.
Before departing we gathered at one house and sang Feliz Cumpleanos to Jack! We all shared a delicious cake made by one of the mothers and set off some fire crackers for the occasion! We parted for the evening to have dinner with our families and continue to get to know them. There is a lot of bonding going on. The children really love us and are so friendly and free. Despite the heat this afternoon and the hard work Jack and AJ ran around with the boys and Sanjna, Learta, Kallie, and Amanda ran around with the girls in games of futbol!
Hasta mañana! We may not be able to post pictures as the connection is so slow, but we are all thinking of you and having a wonderful time! - Mrs. Barnett & Ms. Martin
We all made it over the border with no problems and had the experience to change money from American to Guatemalan. (1:7 ). We drove the 45 minutes to the town of Las Vinas where were were greeted by our new moms and siblings! We separated to our families and spent the afternoon getting familiar with each other. We played games, walked to the park and shared pictures. Learta and Sanjna followed their family to a church and had no idea they were attending a funeral! It was sad but interesting for them.
We all met at the school in the morning today. The entire school greeted us with an assembly of flags and national anthems and speeches. We took a tour of the school. We were introduced to our service project. We are using pic axes, shovels and awls to chop up the cement court floor that has been invaded by the roots of ceiba tree. We moved the rocks and cement from the area but there is much more to do tomorrow before cutting out the roots and pouring new concrete later in the week.
We took a break with the students and shared games, futbol and songs before sending them back to school lessons and us back to work. Lunch came very quickly and we went back to our families. We met again about 2.5 hours later to do some leadership training and learned about the 4 leadership style temperaments.
Before departing we gathered at one house and sang Feliz Cumpleanos to Jack! We all shared a delicious cake made by one of the mothers and set off some fire crackers for the occasion! We parted for the evening to have dinner with our families and continue to get to know them. There is a lot of bonding going on. The children really love us and are so friendly and free. Despite the heat this afternoon and the hard work Jack and AJ ran around with the boys and Sanjna, Learta, Kallie, and Amanda ran around with the girls in games of futbol!
Hasta mañana! We may not be able to post pictures as the connection is so slow, but we are all thinking of you and having a wonderful time! - Mrs. Barnett & Ms. Martin
7 comments:
So impressed! Sending live. Vey proud of you all!
Sending LOVE I mean 😉
Happy birthday Jack! Glad you are all well and having fun! Hope all are able to rest easily after what sounds like an action packed day! <3, AJ's mom (it won't let me sign in 🙄)
Sounds like a great adventure so happy for all the updates:) missing my boy on his birthday but glad he is having a day he will never forget
It all sounds very exciting, and I am hoping you will be able to post a few photos. Upon your return, I may have a spot for each of you on the Performing Arts Center construction crew!
What a full day! Meeting new people, birthday fun, the work of making meaningful connection, and some back-breaking tasks to boot! You are all making a difference in ways small and big in their lives and, I bet, they are doing the same in yours. Looking forward to the next update!!
Greetings to you from your W-H family in New Jersey! We are so enjoying learning about your adventures through this blog. I will check back soon for more photos showing your hard work, new friends, and exciting journey.
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